An Aussie Icon Turns 50 - The Holden Ute: 1951 - 2001

24 April, 2001

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the introduction of a genuine
Australian automotive icon - the Holden Ute. While our society has changed
dramatically in the half century since the Holden Ute first took to
the road, it remains an enduring symbol of hard work and a laidback
lifestyle; a definition of the essential Australia.

"After 50 years, the Holden Ute has earned the right to be called an
Australian legend," says John Elsworth, Holden's Marketing Manager,
Large Cars. "While our history is full of icons, from the Hills Hoist
to Akubras, few continue to hold such a special place in people's hearts
and minds as the Holden Ute," he said.

"Legends have to be lived up to - and we knew we had to meet huge public
expectations with our latest Ute, the VU, because it was the first completely
new model in a decade. I'm glad to say those expectations have been
met;" John Elsworth said.

The utility concept is an Australian original and it has been with
us in one form or another for over 80 years. This country's romance
with the coupe utility, which is based on a sedan equivalent and has
a load bed integral with the cabin, began in the mid-1930s, when several
manufacturers made their own versions. General Motors-Holden's built
coupe ute bodies for Bedford, Chevrolet and Vauxhall. It also constructed
Chevrolet utes to Army specifications as part of a mammoth World War
II manufacturing effort. When the war ended, GMH turned its attention
to producing an all-Australian car, and the famous first Holden, the
48-215 (FX) sedan, was launched in 1948.

With primary industry prospering and demand for the coupe utility expanding,
it was only a matter of time before the first Holden Ute, derived directly
from Australia's Own Car, made its entrance in January 1951. They called
it the 50-2106 Coupe Utility - and it was destined to eclipse all of
its rivals, Chevrolets and Vauxhalls included.

The formula was right from the word go: affordable, versatile, good-looking,
rugged and durable. Just like the 48-215, the new Holden Ute could cruise
all day at 65mph (105 km/h), take steep hills in its stride and return
remarkable overall fuel economy figures of 30 miles per gallon (9.4l/100km).
Not only that, buyers discovered, you could use it to round up the sheep.

Successive models, from the much-loved FJ onwards, went on to make
their own colourful and character-filled contributions to the enduring
legend of the Holden Ute.

After fifty years of evolution - from workhorse to thoroughbred, from
tradesman's transport to sports machine - the all-new 2001 Holden Ute
remains firmly linked to its heritage by the lion emblem displayed on
its engine hood and by the attributes of versatility, reliability and
great driveability it still embodies.

Evolution Of The Holden Ute

1951

50-2106 (FX)

A go-anywhere workhorse, the first Holden Ute (universally nicknamed
FX) was light, strong and surprisingly fast, thanks to a modern OHV
6-cylinder engine. Cheaper than any of its rivals, it was the answer
to a farmer's prayer - and an urban businessman's as well. Demand was
so strong that the waiting list grew to 70,000 before the end of the
first year. Although the FX Ute's strengthened load floor supported
an official payload of 7cwt, this limit was blithely exceeded by many
owners. Like the sedan, it featured a fully integral 'Aerobilt' all-steel
welded body. The original brochure pointed out that its high power-to-weight
ratio meant that drivers could 'feel the punch and power of that
6-cyl., 21h.p. engine that carries your loads over the toughest hills...gives
you performance challenging anything on the road...' The clincher?
'Holden is designed for Australia and built in Australia... The result
is a vehicle you will be proud to own.' Telescopic front shock absorbers
and wider rear springs were introduced late in this model's life.

1953

FJ

Now beloved of restorers, modifiers and street machiners, the FJ Ute
was a face-lifted version of the 50-1206. Mechanically almost identical
- a panel van variant was added in late 1953, new design differential
and axles in 1954 - it sported that unmistakable, era-defining, chrome
grille and stylish monogrammed hubcaps. There was a bigger choice of
exterior colours and the luxury of a pull-down sunvisor on the passenger
side. Proud owners chose from an expanding accessories list, which included
rear wheel spats and chrome door handle protectors. The FJ Ute also
benefited from the introduction of tubeless tyres in early 1956. It
continued in production after the launch of the FE sedan and from mid
1956 was fitted with the FE's more powerful engine.

1957

FE

Released just before the first Holden wagon in February 1957, the 'new
look' FE Ute had a lower and sleeker Australian-designed body, although
its engine, gearbox and differential were basically unchanged. It was
equipped with wrap-around tail/stop lights, rear 'bumperettes' and spare
tyre accessible via a fold-down rear flap. Like the sedan, it featured
the first one-piece curved windscreen, all-new dashboard, improved steering,
better ride and handling, 13 inch wheels, upgraded brakes and a 12-volt
electrical system. Panel van variants were now based on the station
wagon.

1958

FC

A part of the golden Holden era when domestic sales topped 50 per cent
of the market , the FC Ute continued to deliver the winning formula
of performance, durability and unbeatable value for money. A minor facelift
and upgrade with largely identical specifications - distinguished by
the letters H-O-L-D-E-N across the front of the bonnet, replacing the
FE's winged emblem - the FC delivered a smoother and more refined level
of performance.

1960

FB

At a time when Johnny O'Keefe (She's My Baby) competed on the charts
with Jimmy Darren (Gidget), Frank Sinatra (High Hopes) and Guy Mitchell
(Heartaches by the Number), the American-influenced FB ushered in a
fresh new body design matched to the FE/FC floorpan and mechanicals.
It had a wraparound windscreen, full width grille, lowered bonnet line
and lower load height, more headroom and a deep-dished steering wheel,
but missed out on the FB sedan's finned, classically chrome tail light
assembly as it retained the previous model Ute's rear end styling. Mechanical
improvements included an engine upgrade that delivered more power and
torque. The high-roofed FB panel van was again based on the Ute.

1961

EK

While EK Special sedans and wagons introduced Holden's first automatic
transmission and electric wipers, commercial versions like the basically
unchanged EK Ute and its panel van variant remained steadfastly three-speed
manual (column shift, no synchro on first). Parking lights were incorporated
in the top grille bar, a new ventilation air intake located forward
of the windscreen. Total sales of the Holden Coupe Utility climbed past
150,000 in this era and Holden operated five vehicle assembly, three
body assembly, and two major fabrication plants Australia-wide.

1962

EJ

The first of Holden's streamlined sixties favourites, the 'clean sheet'
EJ body was completely new - well-integrated and more low profile, with
a flatter bonnet, squared-off rear end and smaller tail light clusters.
The EJ Ute was released six months after the passenger models and advertised
as the "Holden Half Ton Utility. Right out ahead in good looks ?the
only utility specifically designed for Australia .. full headroom in
the cabin for three six-footers...". It was the first Holden Ute to
offer automatic transmission and standard seat belt anchorages. While
the original grey engine and drivetrain were carried over, overall performance
benefited from a major brake upgrade and significantly improved ride
and handling.

1963

EH

While the Ute variant of the fastest-ever selling Holden retained the
EJ rear end and did not feature 'Power Swept' rear styling, it was powered
by a completely new six-cylinder engine, available in two versions.
The standard 149 'red' engine and bigger 179 were 33 per cent and 53
per cent more powerful respectively and more fuel efficient than ever.
Buyers could order their Ute with the 179 engine and manual transmission
from early 1964. From early 1965, EH Utes were fitted with upgraded
HD model brakes and HD wheel trims. For the same price as the EJ, the
EH was cheaper than mid-50s Holdens and unbeatable value for money.

1965

HD

Released six months after the sedan, the HD Ute had a completely new
body and was the largest yet. Its load compartment was longer and broader,
the rear tailgate opening appreciably wider. Like the sedans, it had
curved side glass, wider seating and a new dash facia design and it
used the new sedan tail lamps and wraparound rear fenders. It offered
a choice of three engines, including the powerful twin carburettor X2
version of the 179, new two-speed Powerglide auto transmissions, an
alternator, new balljoint front suspension and optional front disc brakes
- Holden's first.

1966

HR

One of the most popular 60s models, the HR featured softer front end
styling than the controversial HD, with parking lights now located in
the grille and new 'Magic Mirror' colour range. The Ute's rear styling
was unchanged, except for a new nameplate scripted on the tailgate.
Engine capacities increased to 161 and 186 cubic inches, the smoother
186S replaced the X2; a four-speed, all-synchro manual and limited slip
differential were optional. The Ute also offered soft-feel seating finished
in durable new Sadlon vinyl upholstery, optional power steering and
power disc brakes. A safety upgrade delivered standard front seat belts,
padded sunvisors, exterior mirror, shatterproof interior rear view mirror,
reversing lights and windscreen washers.

1968

HK

Advertised as 'Bigger all round!' and 'Stronger all through!',
the New Generation HK Ute offered more load capacity than before and
a longer, wider, deeper load area. Available in standard Belmont and
up-spec Kingswood versions, it had a longer wheelbase, wider track,
bigger brakes, 14 inch wheels, stronger suspension and 'toughest
in the business Double Life construction'. Safety items included
dual circuit brakes and energy-absorbing steering; buyers could choose
between three six-cylinder engines and an imported 5-litre V8. The remarkable
array of factory-fitted options also included contoured bucket seats,
air conditioning, deluxe heater/demister, 'Superlift' rear shock absorbers,
limited slip differential, heavy duty radiator, battery and air cleaner.

1969

HT

The facelifted HT Belmont and Kingswood Utes boasted '48 big changes
for the better'. They were distinguished by a new plastic grille, revised
tail light cluster, new instrument panel with built in tachometer option.
Improved ride and handling and a quieter ride came courtesy of a wider
track, new rubber suspension bushings, new sub frame suspension and
engine mounting and lighter steering. Engines now included the Australian-designed
and built 253 and 308 V8s. Manual models featured synchromesh on all
forward gears and a new articulated windscreen wiper with a wider sweep
improved visibility.

1970

HG

The third and final version of the big-selling HK/HT body style, the
HG Ute featured a finer mesh grille (chrome for the Kingswood) with
a centrally mounted Holden lion symbol and was the last with quarter
vents on the side windows. It offered a selection of five Australian-built
engines and the option of a new locally built Trimatic 3-speed automatic.
V8 models were fitted with improved disc brakes. From early 1971, a
motorised heater/demister became standard. HG Utes produced after July
1971 used the more powerful HQ-type 173 and 202 engines.

1971

HQ

The totally new HQ Belmont and Kingswood Utes were built on the longer
(114 inch) wagon and Statesman wheelbase and were the first to have
a full length chassis frame and steel load floor. They delivered lower-profile
styling, more load capacity and the full raft of HQ engineering innovations,
while retaining rugged leaf spring rear suspension. Among new features
were upper level flow-through ventilation, an anti-theft ignition lock,
improved seating and floor-mounted handbrake. A Sandman Ute, with mainly
SS-derived interior and exterior features, was introduced in January
1974.

Named for its payload capacity, the 'tradesman's favourite' one ton
cab-chassis model was the first of its type to be fully designed and
developed in Australia. More a truck or pickup than the traditional
sedan-based ute with an integral load area, the one-tonner had a sedan-derived
front half and a 120 inch wheelbase. It took a wide range of rear body
styles to suit all kinds of factory and after-market specialist applications
from tray model and taxi truck through to baker's van and camper van
bodies.

1974

HJ

The HJ range - Holden Ute, Sandman Ute, Kingswood Ute and Kingswood
Sandman Ute (the Belmont name was dropped) - represented a major refinement
of the long-running HQ series. Front end styling was totally new, the
grille (with new Holden lion logo) more pronounced, bumpers more protruding.
Rear styling was carried over. Upgraded interiors featured full foam
seating, a new dash with revised two-outlet ventilation system and strip-style
speedo. All engines now had cable-type throttle control and 10cwt passenger
ride suspension was available as an option.

1976

HX

A major change to this series was the introduction of low-emission
versions of each Holden engine to meet the government's new Australian
Design Rule 27A. For the first time, drivers had the advantage of fingertip
control of wipers, washers, indicators and headlight beam via a stalk
mounted on the steering column. The Sandman 'recreational' Ute and its
panel van variant, well promoted and with plenty of appeal for younger
Holden buyers, sold very well.

1977

HZ

The fourth revision of the body style that began with HQ, this range
was distinguished mainly by its 'egg crate' grille with headlights separate,
new badging and hubcaps. The HZ introduced an important advancement
in Holden suspension development, Radial Tuned Suspension (RTS), which
brought advancements in handling safety and better brakes. These combined
with other modifications - such as uprated springs and shock absorbers,
rear anti-rollbars and upgraded front bars - to give it a sportier feel.
The Sandman Ute was equipped with a 4.2 litre V8, power steering and
trip meter as standard.

1980

WB

The last of this line, the WB series Holden Ute and Kingswood Ute featured
new front panels, grille, headlight treatment and distinctive large
tail light clusters. The one-tonner shared the same front grille and
sheetmetal. Initially, the Kingswood had a unique grille and headlamps,
but later in 1980 all commercials shared it. Dash fascias were black,
GTS-type instruments were optional following the Sandman discontinuance;
new-style bucket seats were standard on the Kingswood. The Utes were
powered by the standard 3.3 litre six and optional 4.2 litre V8 'Blue'
engines introduced earlier with the VB Commodore, with specific sumps
and accessory mountings. The WB Utes were phased out of production late
in 1984.

1990

VG

The product of a $10 million budget and three years of development
by a small team of dedicated Holden designers and engineers, the VN
Commodore-based VG Ute was given a hero's welcome. It was billed as
'the largest Holden Ute ever built' and 'the most comfortable
and powerful on the market, with more load capacity (720kg) and passenger
room than its Falcon competition'. Smart styling, mechanicals and
wagon wheelbase were derived from the all-new VN Commodore and it was
available in two levels: the 3.8 litre V6 Holden Ute and more highly
specified Ute S, both of which had a new load-sensing valve for improved
braking performance under varying loads. Ute features included a versatile
bucket/bench seat, four-wheel disc brakes, coil springs all round and
power steering. The S model delivered bucket seats and sporty extras
like a limited slip differential, tachometer, 15 inch wheels, custom
tonneau cover, optional 5.0 litre EFI V8. The striking, high-performance
HSV Maloo Ute also made its first appearance in 1990.

1992

VP

This Ute shared the VP 'family' model coding and was launched in February
1992. It had headlights and larger turn lenses wrapping into the front
guards, a full-width acrylic grille with low air intake, a central circular
badge on the bonnet's leading edge and small blinker repeaters on the
front guards. Handling and ride quality were improved and the 127kW
3.8 litre V6 engine benefited from a series of refinements that made
it smoother and quieter. Power steering came standard and the Ute and
Ute S featured a smaller steering wheel for better visibility and control.

1993

VR

A major upgrade, the VR Ute looked dramatically different from its
predecessor, with new front end design, twin port grille, new headlights
and tail lights, a large central air intake and flared wheel arches.
The soft-form dash fascia and instrument cluster were all-new, a high-tech
electronics package controlled mechanical, comfort and security features
such as a locally-designed electronic door/ignition key and remote central
locking. V6 power output was lifted to 130kW, two V8 engine options
(165kW and 185kW) were offered, electronic automatic transmission featured
power and economy modes. Extensive front suspension revisions and a
wider track gave the VR Ute an improved road feel and better turn-in,
front brakes were upgraded. The S Ute featured cruise control and a
driver airbag was optional.

1995

VS

Very similar in appearance to the VR - identified by a silver-highlighted
grille surround - the long-running VS Ute (Series I, II and III) heralded
a major engine upgrade. Among new components of the 3.8 litre V6 engine
(which carried the ECOTEC name for the first time) were the cylinder
block, heads and manifolding and an all-alloy cast sump. Supplemented
by the use of low friction technology, these improvements delivered
a 13 per cent increase in power (up to 147kW @ 5,000rpm) while reducing
fuel economy by five per cent. Brakes and auto transmission were improved,
15 inch wheels were made standard, driver and passenger airbags were
optional. The first Holden Ute SS made its appearance as a limited edition
special (300 units) in May 1998 and another was offered in March 1999.

2001

VU

The first completely new Holden Ute in ten years, the VU combines class-leading
driving dynamics with the flexibility of a smart workhorse. Its fully
integrated sports utility styling is highlighted by flowing, rounded
lines and a 'snap lock' flush-fitting tonneau cover. The all-new VU
body structure shares the VX Commodore wagon wheelbase. The three-model
range, Ute, S and SS, is equipped with independent rear suspension,
endowing it with sedan-like ride and handling qualities. These are complemented
by passenger car levels of performance, comfort, safety and refinement.
Stronger-bodied and bigger inside and out than its predecessor, the
VU offers greater cargo carrying capacity than before - a maximum of
830kg on the auto Ute. Fuel tank capacity is now 70 litres, a dual fuel
petrol/LPG option is available on V6 auto models. A 152kW 3.8 litre
ECOTEC V6 is standard on Ute and Ute S, the SS Ute is powered by a 225kW
5.7 litre GEN III V8.